Humane Society says new videos document walking horse abuse
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating allegations of Tennessee walking horse abuse at a local stable.
The investigation was prompted by undercover videos the Humane Society of the United States says were taken at ThorSport Farm. They were released to the public on Tuesday.
The videos show trainers placing what the Humane Society says are caustic substances onto horses’ forelegs to irritate them. The illegal training method known as soring is used to create the “big lick” gait prized at some horse shows.
Stable owner Duke Thorson released a statement saying the farm operates within the rules and does not engage in soring. The statement says the videos show ordinary leg care. It also says ThorSport is working to end walking horse abuse and clean up the industry.
